¹³ By calling this covenant “new,”^(A) he has made the first one obsolete;^(B) and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.

¹⁸ The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless^{(A) 19} (for the law made nothing perfect),^(B) and a better hope^(C) is introduced, by which we draw near to God.^(D)

¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,^(A) the new creation^(B) has come:^[a] The old has gone, the new is here!^(C)

¹⁵ For this reason Christ is the mediator^(A) of a new covenant,^(B) that those who are called^(C) may receive the promised^(D) eternal inheritance^(E)—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.^(F)

Jesus Like Melchizedek

¹¹ If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people^(A) established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come,^(B) one in the order of Melchizedek,^(C) not in the order of Aaron? ¹² For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also.

⁹ This is an illustration^(A) for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered^(B) were not able to clear the conscience^(C) of the worshiper. ¹⁰ They are only a matter of food^(D) and drink^(E) and various ceremonial washings^(F)—external regulations^(G) applying until the time of the new order.

⁸ Love never fails. But where there are prophecies,^(A) they will cease; where there are tongues,^(B) they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

³⁵ Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.^(A)